Patent GB-808979-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in automatic multiple-spindle lathes
IPC: B23Q5/20
Filed: 1955-11-24
Abstract: 808,979. Automatic multi-spindle-lathes; rolling. CONE AUTOMATIC MACHINE CO. Inc. Nov. 24, 1955 [Dec. 30, 1954], No. 33759/55. Classes 83 (3) and 83 (4). Separate maohining-operations are performed on a workpiece in angularly-related positions in multi-spindle automatic lathes, by performing the first of the operations with the work stationary, and then driving the work at an angular speed different from the speed of normal work-rotating means until said work and rotating means reach a predetermined angular relation, and then rotating the work by the normal rotating means to complete the second operation. The workpiece 35, Fig. 2, is to be machined with an end-slot 37 and an oil-groove 38 in definite angular relationship. On a sixspindle machine, grooves are turned at the first station, followed at the second station by cutting of the end slot and a flat 36 on the side by milling-cutters with the work stationary. The third station is used for getting the work into the correct angular relationship with the driving-gears, and thus with a rolling-tool 55, Fig. 9, which makes the oil groove. The tool is supported on a slide 66, Fig. 4, cam-actuated in timed relation with the main driving-gears. The tool 55 is rotated by a universally-jointed shaft 57 from a gear 60 driven by a gear 61 on the central drive-shaft 16 which is used for driving the work-spindles. The latter are driven through friction-clutches 30, the spindle at the third station being controlled by a solenoid 170, Fig. 1. A second universallyjointed shaft 183 is driven from the gear 61 at the same speed as the shaft 57, but the former shaft rotates a pair of gears 116, 117, Fig. 5, driving, respectively, pinions 118, 146 connected with a spindle 124 and a sleeve 102. The spindle rotates at the same speed as the tool and at the normal speed of the work-spindles, but the sleeve 102 carrying a collet 100 rotates at a slightly different speed. Operation.-The collet 100, with its supporting sleeve, is carried on a slide 108 opposite the third spindle station, and is moved in to embrace the free-end of the work by the main cam-shaft of the machine. The collet is engaged with the work by a sleeve 160, Fig. 5, moved by a lever 194, Fig. 1, and an air-operated piston 193 with a solenoid-controlled valve gear. The work is rotated by the collet at a speed slightly different from spindle 124, Fig. 5, which has a spring-pressed slot-engaging end-piece 131 pressing against the end of the work. After a few rotations the end-piece 131 engages the slot made in the work and used as the datum for setting it in relation to the groove-forming tool. The spindle 124 and collet now rotate at the same speed, and the parts 135, 138, Fig. 5, of a clutch for driving the spindle 124 move out of engagement, the driveroller 138 moving along a cam-incline 137. This action moves a rod 142 to the left to operate a switch which closes the clutch 30 and starts the rotation of the work by its supporting-spindle, while de-energizing a solenoid 190, Fig. 1, for opening the collet 100. The work rotation is thus started up at a definite angular relation to the oil-groove forming tool. Means are provided for stopping the machine if air supply to the piston 193 fails.